Memory of former Vice Chairwoman lives on

Gloria Oates OBE DL

A report from a Commission led by a police watchdog leader who passed away days before its release has been issued in her memory.

Greater Manchester Police Authority publication Preserving the Peace, The Policing of Major Events in Greater Manchester, was due to be shared with partner agencies in early August.

A cover letter from the late Gloria Oates OBE DL who chaired the Scrutiny Commission was prepared to accompany the report along with supporting material for the media. Sadly Mrs Oates, GMPA’s Vice Chair at the time, lost her battle against cancer days after signing off the documentation.

Understandably, distribution and promotion was put on hold and it was agreed when plans resume, it would be a fitting tribute for the documents which Mrs Oates helped develop in the final days of her life to still be used.

Earlier this week the report and Mrs Oates’ original cover letter have been distributed to partner agencies. The original press release which includes quotes from the former Independent Member has also been made public on the GMPA website.

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy who also sat on the Commission said: “Gloria was passionate about scrutiny. I think she would have wanted us to stick to the plans which she helped put in place to promote such an important piece of work.

“We are devastated that we are issuing the report in such sad circumstances however I hope people agree, it’s important Gloria’s memory lives on and we feel this will go some way towards achieving that.”